Senator Alan Peter Cayetano accused a rival faction of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee of protecting individuals linked to a multi-billion-peso flood-control scandal [1].
The dispute highlights a deep rift within the Philippine Senate's primary oversight body, potentially compromising the investigation into the misappropriation of public funds. If the committee is split into competing blocs, the ability to hold high-ranking officials accountable for the flood-control scandal may be diminished.
Cayetano described the rival panel, led by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, as a "Committee de Abswelto" [1]. He said the rival bloc was created through questionable administrative actions that weakened oversight and allowed those linked to the scandal to evade accountability [1].
As part of his opposition, Cayetano warned 18 alleged former Marines not to attend the probe scheduled for Monday [2]. This move follows reports that the rival bloc is attempting to move forward with its own investigation into the financial irregularities [3].
The conflict centers on the legitimacy of the current committee structure. Cayetano said the administrative changes used to form the Gatchalian-led group were improper, a move he argues was designed to shield specific interests from scrutiny [1].
The multi-billion-peso scale of the flood-control scandal has made it a focal point of national attention [1]. However, the internal Senate feud has shifted the focus toward procedural battles and the validity of the probe's authority [3].
“"Committee de Abswelto"”
The emergence of competing factions within the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee suggests a breakdown in legislative consensus. By labeling the rival group a 'Committee de Abswelto' (Committee of Acquittal), Cayetano is arguing that the probe is a performative exercise intended to clear suspects rather than uncover truth. This institutional deadlock may delay legal proceedings or the recovery of the multi-billion-peso funds involved in the flood-control scandal.
